Professional approach to springtime spruce-up

Scottish householders looking to brighten up their homes in spring are being urged to adopt the professional approach.

Published:14:00Saturday 20 February 2016

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Scottish householders looking to brighten up their homes in spring are being urged to adopt the professional approach.

The feel-good factor created by the prospect of better weather ahead often sparks the start of home improvement season.

But national trade body the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) says a dramatic increase in the number of DIY disasters in recent years means anyone planning to spruce up their property would be well advised to call in the experts.

Neil Ogilvie, chief executive of the PDA, said: “Vast numbers of people see the start of spring next month as the perfect time to give their homes a new lease of life.

“After all, a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new wallpaper can transform any room in the house.

“But homeowners often discover, sometimes halfway through a job, that painting and decorating is not as easy as it looks and that’s when the problems can start.

“DIY disasters can prove incredibly costly and tremendously inconvenient to put right, which means employing a professional in the first place can save a lot of money in the long run.”

Members of the PDA can be relied upon to do a great job at a fair price, according to Mr Ogilvie.

He added: “Painters and decorators allied to the PDA are subject to strict criteria because we’re a trade body dedicated to delivering the highest standards.

“We insist on a number of requirements along with professional qualifications or a minimum of five years’ experience and that means membership acts as a demonstration of professional credentials.”

Members of the PDA will have been thoroughly checked and will agree to have their work examined independently. They will also be able to provide evidence of public liability insurance before undertaking any work.

The PDA website makes it simple to search for a professional painter and decorator anywhere in the UK.

Visitors can simply log on at www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk, type in their postcode and select from a list of experts in their area.